Search our Resource Database

Use the quick guide to search through our resource database. You can search by topic, setting, or keywords in order to find exactly what you are looking for. Choose a filtering mechanism above to get started.

News

Every week, we share opportunities, action items and a selection of media stories that relate to the farm to school movement. To submit an item for consideration, send us an email. To be considered, content should be of national interest to the farm to school community.

Webinars & Events
1. Scholarships available for National Farm to Cafeteria Conference
Scholarships are now available for the 8th National Farm to Cafeteria Conference, a biennial event hosted by the National Farm to School Network that will convene more than 1,500 diverse stakeholders working to source local food for institutional cafeterias and foster a culture of food and agricultural literacy across America. Scholarship awards will cover short course and/or registration fees for the conference, pending available funds. Costs associated with travel, lodging and field trips are not covered by the scholarship award. In order to ensure the conference reflects the full diversity of farm to cafeteria constituents, scholarships are prioritized for farmers, farmer support organizations, youth (through age 22), persons of color, food service professionals, among others. Additional preference will be given to first-time conference attendees and presenters. Representation from all regions of the country will also be taken into consideration when evaluating scholarship applicants. The application is available online at farmtocafeteriaconference.org. Applications must be received or postmarked by 5pm (EST) on February 29, 2016.

2. Call for Proposals: 5th Annual UVM Food Systems Summit
The University of Vermont Food Systems Summit is an annual event drawing scholars, practitioners, and food systems leaders to engage in dialogue on the pressing food systems issues facing our world. The 2016 Summit will feature several rounds of concurrent sessions organized by Summit participants. We invite you to propose ideas for concurrent sessions in response to the 2016 Summit theme: "What Makes Food Good?" The Summit will be held June 14-15, 2016 in Burlington, VT. Submit and view proposals here.

3. Webinar: Healthy Schools CampaignThe ABCs of School Gardens WebinarWed., March 9, 9-10am CST
Interested in starting a school garden or need help gathering excitement for an existing one? Join this webinar to learn: how garden-based learning positively impacts student learning and to explore ways school gardens offer hands-on, experiential learning opportunities in a wide array of disciplines and promote student health. This seminar is part of Healthy Schools Campaign’s highly-regarded Fit to Learn professional development for principals and educators. Register here.

Policy & Action1. Senate Agriculture Committee passes its draft of Child Nutrition Act Reauthorization
Last week, the Senate Agriculture Committee unanimously approved their version of the Child Nutrition Act Reauthorization (CNR). The bipartisan bill, Improving Child Nutrition Integrity and Access Act of 2016, is a big victory for the farm to school movement, with all priority policy pieces recommended in the Farm to School Act of 2015 included. A full summary of the bill markup is available here. Learn about the next steps in the reauthorization process and how you advocate for farm to school priorities in CNR here.

Research & Resources
1. Sea to Campus Case Studies
Farm to Institution New England has released a series of case studies that explore how and why institutions are serving up locally caught seafood. The case studies focus on what lessons these sea to institution pioneer have to share with others that have yet to develop local seafood programs. The case studies highlight models from three higher education institutions, two public K-12 schools, and one hospital. View the case studies here.

Farm to school in the newsRGJ Citizen of the Year: Jeff Bryant of Urban Roots - Congratulations, Jeff, NFSN Nevada State Co-Lead!
Jeff Bryant is working to make Northern Nevada a better place, not just for today, but for generations to come. Bryant is the executive director of Urban Roots, a nonprofit that teaches youngsters where their food comes from. For his work in 2015, Bryant has been selected as the Reno Gazette-Journal’s Citizen of the Year. (via Reno Gazette-Journal)Quincy schools eye increase in locally sourced food in cafeterias - shout out to Simca Horwitz, NFSN Massachusetts State Co-Lead!The 5,000 daily meals dished out to Quincy, Mass. students already feature some local fare, but a USDA Farm to School Grant will now help expand initiatives like one started last school year to add local fish to the menu. Simca Horwitz, NFSN Massachusetts State Co-Lead, discusses the benefits the grants have had on area schools. (via Boston Globe) Senate bill offers hope for nutrition act- shout out to Erin McGuire, NFSN's Policy Director!
In a critical first step forward, the Senate Agriculture Committee passes its draft of the long-delayed Child Nutrition Act reauthorization. “Farm to school programs are a great way to help introduce kids to healthier eating habits and teach them about where their food comes from,” said Erin McGuire, Policy Director at the National Farm to School Network. “We applaud the Senate Agriculture Committee’s decision to expand the reach of the Farm to School Grant program by providing this additional funding.” (via Morning Ag Clips)

Read past editions of This Week for more funding opportunities, webinars and events, jobs, and ways to take action to support farm to school growth across the country.

Every week, we share opportunities, action items and a selection of media stories that relate to the farm to school movement. To submit an item for consideration, send us an email. To be considered, content should be of national interest to the farm to school community.

Webinars & Events
1. Scholarships available for National Farm to Cafeteria Conference
Scholarships are now available for the 8th National Farm to Cafeteria Conference, a biennial event hosted by the National Farm to School Network that will convene more than 1,500 diverse stakeholders working to source local food for institutional cafeterias and foster a culture of food and agricultural literacy across America. Scholarship awards will cover short course and/or registration fees for the conference, pending available funds. Costs associated with travel, lodging and field trips are not covered by the scholarship award. In order to ensure the conference reflects the full diversity of farm to cafeteria constituents, scholarships are prioritized for farmers, farmer support organizations, youth (through age 22), persons of color, food service professionals, among others. Additional preference will be given to first-time conference attendees and presenters. Representation from all regions of the country will also be taken into consideration when evaluating scholarship applicants. The application is available online at farmtocafeteriaconference.org. Applications must be received or postmarked by 5pm (EST) on February 29, 2016.

2. Registration now open for the Midwest Farm to School Conference
The Midwest Farm to School Conference is coming to Nebraska City, Nebraska, on Wednesday, March 2, 2016! This full day event will bring together those interested in building the farm to school initiative in Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, and Kansas, including food service professionals, teachers, students, farmers, ranchers, parents and other engaged in farm to school activities. Throughout the day, the event will spark connections and provide the necessary paths to bring the farm to more of our region’s schools. A keynote address will be given by Chef Robert Rusan, a School Nutrition Association's 2015 School Nutrition Hero. Farm to school is not a "one size fits all" program - come share what you know and learn from others as we build a healthier future for our kids, schools, farms, and communities. Register by Feb. 1 to receive an early bird discount! More information is available here.

3. Applications available for the Northeast Farm to School InstituteVermont FEED is excited to invite school communities in New England and New York to apply for the 2016-2017 Northeast Farm to School Institute – a unique, year-long professional development program for 12 selected school teams! The Institute is designed for schools with farm to school programming that are looking to boost their program’s impact in the cafeteria, classroom, and community. Institute school teams spend three days at the Kickoff Summer Retreat at Shelburne Farms in Shelburne, Vermont, where they will participate in professionally-led workshops, network with their peers, and create a farm to school action plan. Each team will also have an experienced farm to school coach to support them in carrying out their action plan through the school year. Applications are due March 11, 2016. Learn more and apply here.

4. Webinars: USDA Farm to School - NEW REGISTRATION LINK
Looking for great resources to help launch a successful farm to school program in 2016? The USDA Farm to School team has you covered with a new Planning Farm to School Success webinar series. The series will guide viewers through the USDA Farm to School Planning Toolkit with eleven 30-minute webinars. Note the link to register for the webinars has been update. Register and learn more here.

5. Webinar Series: Food Forward
Food Forward is a free webinar series on plant-based meal options. In this informational two-part series, hear from a panel of school foodservice professionals that successfully implemented plant-strong entrees that appealed to all customers, while embracing the health, environmental and financial benefits.

Learn why K-12 school districts across the country are increasing their plant-strong menu offerings each week to complement the national nutrition standards while meeting student demand. Register here.

As a follow up to Powering Up with Plant-Strong Programs, attendees will hear a more in-depth discussion on menu planning and marketing ideas that can increase participation and excitement, while promoting sustaining health habits to every customer. Register here.

Policy & Action
1. Senate Agriculture Committee releases its draft of Child Nutrition Act Reauthorization
On Monday evening, the Senate Agriculture Committee released its draft of the Child Nutrition Act Reauthorization (CNR). Nearly all of the policy changes recommended in the Farm to School Act of 2015 have been included in this draft along with a doubling in funds for the USDA Farm to School Grant Program, raising the grant funding level from $5 to $10 million. The Senate Agriculture Committee hearing to pass this bill out of committee will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 20. This is a major victory for farm to school, but this Senate Agriculture Committee draft is only the first step of many in signing CNR into law. The next step will be for the committee to agree on a final version of the bill and send it to the Senate floor for voting. Sign up for the National Farm to School Network newsletter and follow us on Twitter for the latest CNR updates.

2. Farm to School Program Models SurveyGreen Mountain Farm-to-School and Food Connects seek to better understand and develop farm-to-school program service models that generate revenue and commitment from schools in order to establish sustainable and permanent programming in communities. You are invited to participate in a brief survey to help them compile crucial best-practice methods and information. The survey closes Friday, Jan. 22. Take the survey here.

2. New Study: Latino Kids Have Less Healthy Food Options In and Near SchoolsSalud America! has released a report that finds children in high-density Latino neighborhoods more frequently have easy access to unhealthy food options in cafeteria vending machines or within a few blocks of their schools. Read the “Making a Healthy School Environment the Norm for Latino Kids” study here.

3. Free online course: An Introduction to the U.S. Food System
An Introduction to the U.S. Food System: Perspectives from Public Health is a free, six week course offered online through the Johns Hopkins University partnership with Coursera. Topics include food security, food animal production, aquaculture, food waste, and the farm bill. Learn more about the course and register here.

Jobs & Opportunities
1. FoodCorps Service Member Application Open
Are you a leader passionate about healthy food, farms and kids? Become a FoodCorps service member! FoodCorps recruits talented leaders for a year of paid public service building healthy school food environments in limited-resource communities. Learn more about this opportunity and apply here.

2. Program Manager, FoodWhatFoodWhat is a youth empowerment and food justice organization that uses food, through sustainable agriculture and health, as the vehicle for growing strong, healthy, and inspired teens. FoodWhat seeks a highly motivated, detail-oriented and energetic person to join our staff in this newly created position of Programs Manager. This position will work in concert with our Farm Manager and Executive Director in the planning and implementation of our farm-based Spring, Summer, and Fall core youth programming, in-school Winter Community Educator program, and year-round Junior Staff training. Learn more here.

3. School Farm Coordinator, The Delta SchoolsThe Delta School is a newly founded progressive prek-12 independent school in The Mississippi Delta. The School Farm Coordinator is a full-time position that offers critical support teachers and students to ensure that a school can maximize the educational potential of the school garden. Learn more and apply here.

Farm to school in the newsHow Agriculture is Helping These At-Risk Teens
BoysGrow, a Kansas City nonprofit, helps teenage boys find footing in the world through growing and selling fresh vegetables. The young men work on an 10-acre farm, and produce and market their own organic food and artisan farm products like salsa and barbecue sauce. Civil Eats

Every week, we share opportunities, action items and a selection of media stories that relate to the farm to school movement. To submit an item for consideration, send us an email. To be considered, content should be of national interest to the farm to school community.

Grants & Funding1. The National Collaboration to Promote Health, Wellness, and Academic Success of School-Age Children
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has announced the availability of funds to implement a National Collaboration to Support Health, Wellness and Academic Success of School-Age Children. The FOA "will fund national nongovernment organizations to support states, school districts, and schools for nationwide implementation of cross-cutting approaches to promote .health and prevent and control chronic diseases and their risk factors." Approximately $2,250,000 per year is available for per year for five years. Deadline to apply is January 19. Learn more here.

Webinars & Events1. Save the Date: 2016 National Farm to Cafeteria Conference
Save the date for the 8th National Farm to Cafeteria Conference, to be held June 2-4, 2016 in Madison, Wisconsin. The National Farm to Cafeteria Conference is a biennial event that convenes a diverse group of stakeholders from across the farm to cafeteria movement who are working to source local food for institutional cafeterias and foster a culture of food and agricultural literacy across America. The conference is hosted by the National Farm to School Network, in partnership with local host organizations. The scholarship application opens Jan. 15. Registration opens Feb 15, 2016.

2. Growing Power: Save the Date and RFP
Save the date for Growing Power’s International Urban and Small Farms Conference, Nov. 18-20, 2016 in Milwaukee, Wis. The bi-annual conference theme for 2016 is "Let's Scale it Up! Growing Food and Farmers: Best practices in growing, distribution and community building.” Learn more about the conference and submit a proposal to present here.

3. Webinars: USDA Farm to School - NEW REGISTRATION LINK
Looking for great resources to help launch a successful farm to school program in 2016? The USDA Farm to School team has you covered with a new Planning Farm to School Success webinar series. The series will guide viewers through the USDA Farm to School Planning Toolkit with eleven 30-minute webinars. Note the link to register for the webinars has been update. Register and learn more here.

Jobs & Opportunities1. Illinois Farm to School Network Coordinator, Seven Generations Ahead
Seven Generations Ahead (SGA) is seeking to hire a full-time Illinois Farm to School Network Coordinator to work in tandem with SGA’s Farm to School Program Manager to build upon SGA’s body of farm to school work and work collaboratively across the state to advance farm to school goals. The position will focus on developing and facilitating the Illinois Farm to School Network, designed to engage private and public sector agencies, non-profits, schools, health departments, and other community institutions in advancing local, sustainable and healthy food access and education in Illinois. Learn more here.

2. FoodCorps Service Member Application Open
Are you a leader passionate about healthy food, farms and kids?
Become a FoodCorps service member! FoodCorps recruits talented leaders for a year of paid public service building healthy school food environments in limited-resource communities. Learn more about this opportunity and apply here.

3. Oxbow Education (“Ox Ed”) Farmer-Educator
Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center is looking to fill a full-time, seasonal farmer-educator position to plan and oversee the growing and upkeep of Ox Ed one-acre Kids’ Farm and Living Playground. As part of the Ox Ed team, the farmer-educator will assist in delivering farm and environmental education programs in the spring, summer, and fall. Learn more and apply here.

Every week, we share opportunities, action items and a selection of media stories that relate to the farm to school movement. To submit an item for consideration, send us an email. To be considered, content should be of national interest to the farm to school community.

Webinars & Events1. Save the Date: 2016 National Farm to Cafeteria Conference
Save the date for the 2016 National Farm to Cafeteria Conference, to be held June 2-4, 2016 in Madison, Wisconsin. The National Farm to Cafeteria Conference is a biennial event that convenes a diverse group of stakeholders from across the farm to cafeteria movement who are working to source local food for institutional cafeterias and foster a culture of food and agricultural literacy across America. The conference is hosted by the National Farm to School Network, in partnership with local host organizations. Registration opens Feb 15, 2016.

4. 2016 Annual Soil & Nutrition Conference, Feb. 8-9, Stockbridge, Mass.
The 5th Annual Soil & Nutrition Conference will gather farmers, researchers, nutritionists and food system advocates for a multidisciplinary conversation exploring the potential to improve food quality through regenerative agriculture that builds soil, crop and ecosystem health. The conference will explore how soil health and crop quality are interrelated, and how a renewed focus on the food qualities that industrial agriculture forgot – flavor and nutrition – can help drive transformation with important societal benefits. Learn more and register here.

Research & Resources1. New Study: Effects of the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act
It’s been just over five years since the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act was signed into law, requiring foods served as part of the National School Lunch Program to contain more whole grains, vegetables and fruits. A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics reveals that school lunches have indeed gotten healthier, and close to the same number of students are still participating in the school lunch program. Read the study here.

2. Documentary: In Defense of Food
Join author Michael Pollan on a fascinating journey to answer the question: What should I eat to be healthy? Busting myths and misconceptions, In Defense of Food reveals how common sense and old-fashioned wisdom can help us rediscover the pleasures of eating and at the same time reduce our risks of falling victim to diet-related diseases. Information about the documentary and resources, including a comprehensive education program for middle school students created by the Laurie M. Tisch Center for Food, Education and Policy at the Teachers College, Columbia University, are available here.

3. Documentary Screening Opportunity
Filmmaker Ernie Zahn has created a 25 minute documentary about the plight of tomato farmworkers in Immokalee, Florida titled Fair Tomatoes. The film discusses workers’ efforts to expose unjust working conditions, raise the living wage, and encourage the big buyers of tomatoes to rethink how they do business. Ernie is eager to share this film wildly through screening events, particularly in the Southwest. If you are interested in hosting a screening of Fair Tomatoes or would like to learn more, please contact Ernie directly at ernie@npeaches.org.

Jobs & Opportunities1. Research and Policy Program Manager, Detroit Food Policy Council
The Detroit Food Policy Council seeks a Program Manager to plan and implement the Council’s research and policy activities. The successful candidate will be familiar with land use, economic development and policy related to urban food systems. Learn more and apply here.

2. Executive Director, Friends of Great Kids FarmFriends of Great Kids Farm seeks qualified applicants to serve as Executive Director of their dynamic organization in Baltimore. The Executive Director will oversee execution of Friends of Great Kids Farm’s mission: to support and promote Baltimore City Public Schools’ Great Kids Farm. Learn more and apply here.
3. Director, Minnesota Food Charter Network
This position will foster the development of the Minnesota Food Charter Network and implementation of Food Charter strategies, represent the Minnesota Food Charter Network in communities, manage budget and business operations, and provide direct support to multiple teams charged with various Minnesota Food Charter Network responsibilities. Learn more here (Job ID: 305825).

4. Illinois Farm to School Network Coordinator, Seven Generations AheadSeven Generations Ahead (SGA) is seeking to hire a full-time Illinois Farm to School Network Coordinator to work in tandem with SGA’s Farm to School Program Manager to build upon SGA’s body of farm to school work and work collaboratively across the state to advance farm to school goals. The position will focus on developing and facilitating the Illinois Farm to School Network, designed to engage private and public sector agencies, non-profits, schools, health departments, and other community institutions in advancing local, sustainable and healthy food access and education in Illinois. Learn more here.

Farm to school in the newsGetting a taste of new veggies
This Farm-to-Child Care initiative in Minnesota saw impressive results after encouraging child care program to offer local, fresh veggies to young children through taste tests and other farm to child care curriculum. (via Detroit Lakes Online)

Every week, we share opportunities, action items and a selection of media stories that relate to the farm to school movement. To submit an item for consideration, send us an email. To be considered, content should be of national interest to the farm to school community.

Grants & Funding1. Native Agriculture & Food Systems Projects GrantsFirst Nations Development Institute (First Nations) is now accepting grant proposals under its Native Agriculture & Food Systems Initiative. Through the generous support of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, First Nations plans to distribute up to 10 grant awards averaging $30,000 each to support projects that aim to strengthen local food-system control; increase access to local, healthy and traditional foods; and decrease food insecurity and food deserts, all with an emphasis on serving Native American children and families. The application deadline is Monday, Jan. 25, 2016. Learn more here.

Webinars & Events1. Save the Date: 2016 National Farm to Cafeteria Conference
Save the date for the 2016 National Farm to Cafeteria Conference, to be held June 2-4, 2016 in Madison, Wisconsin. The National Farm to Cafeteria Conference is a biennial event that convenes a diverse group of stakeholders from across the farm to cafeteria movement who are working to source local food for institutional cafeterias and foster a culture of food and agricultural literacy across America. The conference is hosted by the National Farm to School Network, in partnership with local host organizations. Registration opens Feb 15, 2016.2. Webinar: PolicyLink and Healthy Food Access PortalLeveraging Institutional Purchasing Power to Expand Access to Healthy Food
Thursday, Jan. 12, 2-3:15pm
You’re invited to join PolicyLink and the Healthy Food Access Portal for a discussion on leveraging university, hospital, and public school purchasing power to expand access to healthy food. Learn more and register here.

Research & Resources1. Documentary: In Defense of Food - premieres Dec. 30 on PBS
Join author Michael Pollan on a fascinating journey to answer the question: What should I eat to be healthy? Busting myths and misconceptions, In Defense of Food reveals how common sense and old-fashioned wisdom can help us rediscover the pleasures of eating and at the same time reduce our risks of falling victim to diet-related diseases. In Defense of Food premieres Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2015, 9pm ET on PBS. The film will be accompanied by a comprehensive education program for middle school students created by the Laurie M. Tisch Center for Food, Education and Policy at the Teachers College, Columbia University. In addition, an extensive outreach program has been designed to help food and health organizations and community groups use the film to spark deeper engagement and action in support of healthier homes, schools and communities. Learn more here.

Jobs & Opportunities1. Program Specialist, USDA
The U.S. Department of Agriculture seeks a Program Specialist to join its Food and Nutrition Service. This position will serve as the Farm to School Coordinator for the Midwest Regional Office, Supplemental Nutrition Program Division. To qualify, candidates must possess extensive experience implementing and managing community food systems or farm to school programming and have proven effective working relationships with community food systems or farm to school practitioners and coalitions. The application deadline is Dec. 30. Learn more and apply here.

Farm to school in the news10 best farm to school stories from 2015
From national media covering the impact of the USDA Farm to School Program, to regional stories of communities transforming the way kids eat, 2015 was filled with great farm to school storytelling. Check out our list of the 10 best farm to school stories from the past year on our blog.

Every week, we share opportunities, action items and a selection of media stories that relate to the farm to school movement. To submit an item for consideration, send us an email. To be considered, content should be of national interest to the farm to school community.

Webinars & Events1. Save the Date: 2016 National Farm to Cafeteria Conference
Save the date for the 2016 National Farm to Cafeteria Conference, to be held June 2-4, 2016 in Madison, Wisconsin. The National Farm to Cafeteria Conference is a biennial event that convenes a diverse group of stakeholders from across the farm to cafeteria movement who are working to source local food for institutional cafeterias and foster a culture of food and agricultural literacy across America. The conference is hosted by the National Farm to School Network, in partnership with local host organizations. Registration opens Feb 15, 2016.

2. Texas Farm to School Roundup, February 11, 2016, Rockwall, Texas
The Texas Farm to School Roundup will be held as part of the 2016 Texas Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association Conference and combines an intensive pre-conference workshop along with several sessions focused on sales and educational components of farm to school during the conference. The TOFGA conference will be held February 11-13 in Rockwall, Texas at the Hilton Dallas/Rockwall Lakefront. Find additional information, including a list of conference sessions, here.

Research & Resources1. Report: Schools Vary—And That Means Meal Costs Vary Too
USDA provides meal reimbursements to local school food authorities participating in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. Economic Research Service researchers found that per-meal costs were affected by the location of the school food authority, its size, and the balance between the number of lunches and breakfasts it served. Read the report here.

2. Report: The Promise of Farm to Preschool in Southwest Colorado
Developed by Healthy Community Food Systems, this report aims to explain the concept of farm to preschool, why it is so important, and why it is crucial to do well and without delay. The focus and examples are applicable to the whole of Southwest Colorado and beyond. Read the report here.

3. Documentary: In Defense of Food - premieres Dec. 30 on PBS
Join author Michael Pollan on a fascinating journey to answer the question: What should I eat to be healthy? Busting myths and misconceptions, In Defense of Food reveals how common sense and old-fashioned wisdom can help us rediscover the pleasures of eating and at the same time reduce our risks of falling victim to diet-related diseases. In Defense of Food premieres Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2015, 9pm ET on PBS. The film will be accompanied by a comprehensive education program for middle school students created by the Laurie M. Tisch Center for Food, Education and Policy at the Teachers College, Columbia University. In addition, an extensive outreach program has been designed to help food and health organizations and community groups use the film to spark deeper engagement and action in support of healthier homes, schools and communities. Learn more here.

4. Documentary: Food for Thought, Food For LifeFood for Thought, Food for Life is a short documentary film that educates people about the negative impact our current methods of agriculture have on the earth. In addition to providing vital information, the film gives viewers the necessary tools to make a difference in their own lives. The film is offered without a screening license fee to those who convene screening events designed to actively engage people in conversations about the food and farming sustainability issues raised by the film. Visit the Food for Thought website for a full screening kit, discussion guide, and materials

Jobs & Opportunities1. Washington State Department of Agriculture Farm to School and Small Farm Direct Marketing positions
WSDA’s Small Farm Direct Marketing and Farm to School team has four openings for Commerce Specialist 3 ~ Education & Outreach Specialists. These are full-time project positions with different project durations ranging from 8 months to 2 years. These positions will be based in Seattle. This recruitment is open until filled with the first review date of December 30, 2015. Learn more at www.careers.wa.gov.

Farm to school in the newsCultivating Healthy Habits from the Start: Farm to Early Care and Education
As we ring in the New Year, many adults are thinking about changing their unhealthy ways and making more nutritious choices. It’s also an ideal time to consider creative approaches to helping children develop their own lifelong healthy habits. Learn how to get started with farm to early care and education in this blog written by Lacy Stephens, NFSN Farm to Preschool Association. (via ChildCareInfo.com) Local food, health go hand-in-hand
Traverse City Area Public Schools' Tom Freitas incorporates as many local vegetables and fruits into school cafeteria menus as he can. It's part of a push to give students more access to produce from area farms, a move that’s a win-win for student health and the local economy. (via Traverse City Record Eagle)

Desert Sands schools dish farm-to-table lessons
The days of reading, writing and ‘rithmatic ended a very long time ago and students of today have a broader education than ever before. At many Desert Sands Unified School District schools, gardens have become a part of a curriculum or used in after-school programs. (via The Desert Sun)

Read past editions of This Week for more funding opportunities, webinars and events, jobs, and ways to take action to support farm to school growth across the country.

Every week, we share opportunities, action items and a selection of media stories that relate to the farm to school movement. To submit an item for consideration, send us an email. To be considered, content should be of national interest to the farm to school community.

Grants & Funding1. “Seeds of Native Health” Promising Program Grant and Capacity Building Grant
The Notah Begay III Foundation’s national program, Native Strong: Healthy Kids, Healthy Futures is pleased to announce its 2016 “Seeds of Native Health” Promising Program Grant and Capacity Building Grant Request For Applications (RFA). Thanks to the generous support of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community and their recently launched national campaign, “Seeds of Native Health”, the NB3F will provide needed investment to Tribal Nations and Native American organizations working to improve nutrition and access to healthy foods for their children and communities. Promising Program Grants ($40,000 each) will focus on existing healthy food/nutrition programming that engages Native American youth. The Capacity Building Grants ($20,000 each) will focus on community health assessments and community planning around healthy food/nutrition. Both grants are one year long. The application deadline for both grant opportunities is January 22, 2016. Learn more here.

Webinars & Events1. Save the Date: 2016 National Farm to Cafeteria Conference
Save the date for the 2016 National Farm to Cafeteria Conference, to be held June 2-4, 2016 in Madison, Wisconsin. The National Farm to Cafeteria Conference is a biennial event that convenes a diverse group of stakeholders from across the farm to cafeteria movement who are working to source local food for institutional cafeterias and foster a culture of food and agricultural literacy across America. The conference is hosted by the National Farm to School Network, in partnership with local host organizations. Registration opens Feb 15, 2016.

2. Slow Food USA: School Garden Spring Break: April 1-3, 2016 Charlotte, NC
Join the National School Garden Program team and school garden champions from across the country at Slow Food USA's first ever train-the-trainer school garden conference. Come and learn more about the Slow Food approach to school gardens, edible education, and school food and bring it all back to your community. Through a mix of hands-on workshops, field trips, and classroom-style training, we will provide information on our curriculum, projects and models, and give chapters and schools the opportunity to showcase their work. Would you like to attend or nominate someone to attend? Please fill out this google form application or share it with your Slow Food network of teachers and school garden leaders. Applications are due December 31.

3. Montana Farm to School Summit, Sep. 22-23, 2016, Bozeman, MT
Mark your calendar for the Montana Farm to School Summit: Sprouting Success to be held on September 22-23, 2016 at Montana State University in Bozeman. Learn and share how Montana schools and programs are sprouting success through the core elements of farm to school--serving local foods, school gardens, and nutrition, agriculture, and food education. Workshops, field trips, and networking opportunities will provide inspiration and skill building. This conference is hosted by Montana Team Nutrition Program, Montana State University, Montana Office of Public Instruction, and Gallatin Valley Farm to School. Registration opens January 2016.

Research & Resources1. New Union of Concerned Scientists video
A new video from the Union of Concerned Scientists takes viewers on a wild ride through the food system, connecting the dots between diet-related diseases, exploitation of food workers, and diminishing opportunities for family farmers. Join Dr. Ricardo Salvador, director of the Food and Environment program at the Union of Concerned Scientists, on a journey into the heart of the dysfunctional American food system in this new video.

Jobs & Opportunities1. Director, Minnesota Food Charter Network
The Healthy Foods, Healthy Lives Institute at the University of Minnesota is seeking a new director for the Minnesota Food Charter Network. This position will foster the development of the Minnesota Food Charter Network and implementation of Food Charter strategies, represent the Minnesota Food Charter Network in communities, manage budget and business operations, and provide direct support to multiple teams charged with various Minnesota Food Charter Network responsibilities. For more information on this position click here. (Job ID: 305825)

Read past editions of This Week for more funding opportunities, webinars and events, jobs, and ways to take action to support farm to school growth across the country.

Every week, we share opportunities, action items and a selection of media stories that relate to the farm to school movement. To submit an item for consideration, send us an email. To be considered, content should be of national interest to the farm to school community.

Webinars & Events1. Proposals now being accepted for National Farm to Cafeteria Conference
Organizers of the 8th National Farm to Cafeteria Conference are seeking proposals for workshops, posters and lightning talks to feature during the two-day gathering in Madison, Wis., June 2-4, 2016. This event is the premier gathering of individuals and organizations working to source local food for institutional cafeterias and foster a culture of food and agricultural literacy across America. Cafeterias in schools and early care, colleges and universities, hospitals, prisons and other institutional settings serve tens of millions of Americans every day, placing the farm to cafeteria movement at the forefront of the fight to end obesity and strengthen local food systems. The 2016 conference theme Moving Forward Together lifts up new and innovative partnerships to continue building momentum and ensure long-term sustainability in the movement. The application period closes this Friday, Dec. 4, 2015 at 11:59pm ET. Learn more at farmtocafeteriaconference.org.

2. Webinar: National Farm to School NetworkFunding Partnerships: Farm to School & Farm CreditTuesday, Dec. 8, 12pm CST
Join the National Farm to School Network and Farm Credit for a webinar highlighting innovative ways to partner with you local Farm Credit association, and learn how your program can grow with creative funding and partnership opportunities. Register here.

3. Webinar: School Food FOCUSMaximize Your Procurement Dollars through Regional Purchasing - School Food and Forward ContractingThursday, Dec. 10, 1-2pm EST
Forward contracting establishes a price to be paid for a certain quantity of product to be provided at a future date. Learn how forward contracting can help maximize your procurement budget and support local farmers at the same time. Speakers will highlight the benefits and challenges of forward contracting school food and demonstrate how to write forward contracts. School Food FOCUS is a national collaborative that leverages the knowledge and procurement power of large school districts to make school meals nationwide more healthful, regionally sourced, and sustainably produced. Register here.

4. Webinar recording: Oregon Food BankFEAST webinar: Farm to SchoolOregon Food Bank recently hosted an introductory webinar about farm to school, with speakers including Megan Kemple (NFSN’s Oregon State Lead), Rick Sherman (Farm to School & School Garden Coordinator, Oregon Dept. of Education), and Amy Gilroy (Farm to School Manager, Oregon Dept. of Education). A recording of the webinar is available here.

Farm to school in the news10 Champions of the Local Food Movement - shoutout to our Executive Director and Co-Founder, Anupama Joshi!
Behind the local and urban food movement stand hundreds of people, each adding their own unique momentum. From urban farms in the city, to activists and writers, each of these people contributes something to a brighter future of food. See Bright Agrotech’s top 10 list of local food movement champions here.